Page 128 of Knot Happening Again

What else can I do?

CHAPTER 37

OPHELIA

Ifold the last of my clothes, tucking them into my suitcase with a sigh. The past three days have been... indescribable.

A slice of paradise I never thought I'd experience.

But now, as I zip up my bag, reality crashes back in.

"All packed?" Maddox asks, leaning against the doorframe.

I nod, not trusting my voice. My throat feels tight, constricted by emotions I can't quite name.

"You okay, Effy?" He steps into the room, concern etched across his handsome features.

"I'm fine," I lie, forcing a smile that doesn't reach my eyes.

Maddox raises an eyebrow. "Bullshit. I know you better than that."

I turn away, busying myself with straightening the already-made bed. "It's nothing. Just... thinking."

"About?" he presses, moving closer.

I bite my lip, debating whether to open up. But Maddox has a way of worming past my defenses. "Leon," I admit quietly. "And... all of this."

Understanding flashes in his eyes. He doesn't say anything, just wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close. I lean into him, grateful for the silent support.

"I know it's stupid," I mumble into his chest. "I shouldn't miss him. I shouldn't want..."

"It's not stupid," Maddox interrupts gently. "Your feelings are valid. Even the complicated ones."

I pull back, wiping at my eyes. "But how can I miss someone who hurt me so badly? How can I want to be part of something I've spent years convincing myself I don't need?"

Maddox cups my face, his touch tender. "Because you're human, sweetheart. And humans are messy, complicated creatures."

Before I can respond, Rhys appears in the doorway. "Car's ready to take us to the airport," he announces, then pauses, taking in the scene before him. "Everything okay?"

I paste on another fake smile. "Yeah. Just saying goodbye to this place."

Rhys doesn't look convinced, but he doesn't push. Instead, he grabs our bags. "Let's head out then. Don't want to miss our flight."

The drive to the airport is quiet, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I stare out the window, watching the lush forest give way to urban sprawl. With each mile, the weight in my chest grows heavier.

At the airport, we breeze through security and board our private jet. The luxury that had awed me on the way here now feels hollow. I curl up in my seat, pretending to be asleep to avoid conversation.

As the plane takes off, I can't help but think about the last time I flew. The nervous excitement, the anticipation of what awaited me. Now, all I feel is a confusing mix of emotions I can't untangle.

Part of me almost longs for the simplicity of my life before this whirlwind week. The routine of work, the numbness I'd cultivated to protect myself.

But a larger part aches for what I've tasted.

The warmth of pack bonds, the safety of strong arms around me, the feeling of belonging.

Even if there's still a little voice in the back of my head that says I don't deserve any of it.

I think of Leon, of the raw need in his eyes when he first scented me. The gentleness of his touch as he explored my body. The way he looked at me like I was the most precious thing in the world.

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